Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3861, Moses Gage, Conn

SERVICE
NUMBER
born
Gage, Moses
R. 3861
CONTENTS

Declaration of Moses Gaye for pension

State of Connecticut } County of Windham }
On this fifth day of November personally appeared Moses Gage, the Applicant, of the town of Woodstock in said County of Windham and State of Connecticut, aged Eighty four years, who being first duly sworn, according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of law made by Congress, June 7th 1882.
That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year seventeen hundred and seventy seven, under last John H. Hays of Ashford in said County of Windham, and belonged to the Battalion commanded by Colonel Ely or Ely. That he served six months under said officers. That during said service we were stationed at Fort Griswold in Connecticut much of the time. That we were ordered to Rhododilane, then returned to the Fort thence to York State. And Further, the said Gage declares that in the Month of July seventeen hundred and eighty one he was drafted into the service of the United States and in the following Month of December, was mustered into the service under Capt Clough and was stationed at Fort Griswold, where

we remained until the month of March following, when peace being rumored we were dismissed and returned home, thus making three months actual service at the Fort during said last service under Capt. Clough and Col. M c Collan.
We hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the list roll of any pension agency in any State. Moses F. Gage, his Mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, before me
Attest Daniel Lyman Judge of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he above states.
Attest Daniel Lyman Judge of Probate for the District of Woodstock County of Windham State of Connecticut
I do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application for a pension by the said Moses Gage
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at the date aforesaid
Warrant F. Kimball Clerk
In the District Court of the United States for the District of Woodstock, County of Windham, State of Connecticut, this 10th day of March, 1841.

Rev. and 1812 War Section.
February 10, 1926
Mary B. Bishop 142 Grove St Putnam, Conn
Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 3861 , it appears that Moses Gage applied for pension, November 5, 1847, while residing at Woodstock, Windham County, Connecticut, aged eighty-four years, and alleged that he served in 1778, six months in Captain John Keys' Company, Colonel Ely's Connecticut Regiment, and from July 1781 to March 1782 in Captain Clough's Company, Colonel McLellan's Regiment.
The claim was not allowed, as he failed to furnish proof of said service, as required by the pension laws.
There is no data on file as to family.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

Hon J. P. Edwards Pension Office Washington D. C.

Boston Nov 22 1847
To the Honorable J. L. Edmards Commissioner of Pensions At the Seat of Government
Sir The enclosed are the papers of Moses Gage of Woodstock, State of Conn te in which he claims one years service
The first term of service is claimed to have been performed under Capt John Keyes of Ashford of Ct. and Col. Ely of the same State for the space of six months, and is corroborated by the testimony of Alphus Bowers of Thompson in said State, who is a pensioner and was in the same service with said Gage. beside the deposition of said Bowers we have the certificate of the Comptroller at Hartford Ct. corroborating the same in every particular - so that we have been able to furnish the Court with the very best proof with regard to the first six months service in 1777, the enlistment was made in the month of June. Then with regard to the next term of service we have one living witness which is the Colonel M c Clellan himself, who is now living in Rhode Island, but whose deposition we have failed to obtain on account of the great expense necessarily accruing to the applicant who is poor and unable to meet it
For the proof for the last term of service under Capt. Clough and Col M c Clellan, we rely wholly upon the certificate of the Comptroller at Hartford, and whatever shall be the judgment of the Court we shall content ourselves with, as the applicant is unable to support his claim

better than he has already done by the documents here furnished. The applicant states that he was in the service at New London under Colonel McClellan in the month of March when peace being rumored he was discharged. This service we are aware should be corroborated by a living witness as is the first service under Col. Ely But we have already stated that the applicant is poor and unable to make further search for testimony, and is willing to rest upon the strength of the Comptroller certificate, which corroborates his claim in very particular, and as the Court can have no doubts as to the service in 77, we humbly trust he will be somewhat indulgent as to want of proofs for the latter term of service.
This by Your Humble Servt
Ben Haskell Atty for the Applicant
P.S. Please address Ben Haskell at Boston Mass as he is the agent in the premises — A most speedy answer is desired
2/3 Haskell

State of Connecticut County of Windham Town of Thompson
We the undersigned, Citizens of said town of Thompson in said County of Windham, do hereby certify, That we are acquainted with Alpheus Bowers of said Thompson That there is no other person residing in said town of Thompson, bearing the same name, That said Bowers is an aged man, and is reputed to have drawn a pension for some years, That said Bowers is an intelligent man, remaining in full possession of his mental faculties, That said Bowers has ever born a fair and honorable reputation for truth and veracity, and stands as such at the present time among his Townsmen
Names
Simon Davis Vernon Stiles George Sarned Rufus Coburn
State of Connecticut Windham Co. Thompson SS January 31 st 1848
I Jonathan Nichols Judge of the Court of Probate for said district of Thompson in said County of Windham, do hereby certify that the above named Simon Davis Vernon Stiles George Sarned and Rufus Coburn
personally appeared before me, and acknowledged the above written Instrument by them subscribed to be true
And the said Court does likewise, and pronounces the same to be correct according to the best of his knowledge and belief
In Testimony whereof I have this thirty first day of January 1848 at Thompson aforesaid set my hand and seal of this Court
Jonathan Nichols Judge of Probate for the district of Thompson

S. J. I George, Studdard of Woodstock in the County of Windham, and State of Connecticut Counsellor at Law, on oath depose and say That I am acquainted with Moses Gage a citizen of said Town of Woodstock, That said Gage is reputed to have performed military service in the war of the Revolution. That said Gage about ten years since applied to my father an Attorney & Counsellor at Law in said Town for advice relative to his claim for a pension, That it was thought at that time that said Gage had, a good and sufficient claim for a pension. That I do not know the precise reason why said Gage did not go forward with his claim at that time; but that said Gage is a poor man, not in circumstances that would readily enable him to advance the usual fee for such an undertaking, and I have no knowledge of the any money at all being, paid to said Studdard for professional services. That my father died in a few years after and I had learned nothing of the claim of said Gage since that time George A. Studdard
Connecticut Windham SS
Woodstock Jan y 31 st A.D. 1848
Then personally appeared the above named dep George Studdard, and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true - In testimony whereof I have hereunto placed my hand and Seal. And I do hereby certify that said Studdard is a man of truth & veracity.
Daniel Lyman. Judge of Probate, for Woodstock District

Boston April 21 st 1848
Sir
In the case of Moses Gage of Woodstock Ct, Applicant for Pension, you are informed, that in compliance with your directions of Jan 8 th , I forwarded to your department on the 28 th of Feb last, all the documents required by you, for the better establishment of said claim.
I take this occasion to state that I have complied, with your your directions in every particular, thus far according to the best of my understanding of those requirements - and yet have received no answer, which leads me to suppose that some mistake has occurred - I earnestly desire that I may be corresponded with by the next mail - after the reception of this.
I have no doubt but that Gages Claim is fully made out, a fervently hope that the Government will require us to take no more steps
Yours Truly
Hon J P Edwards
Benj Haskell Boston Mass Atty

W. Haskell.
July 18, 48,

Pension office, July 18, 1848.
Sir.
The additional evidence in the case of Moses Gage, is unsatisfactory. It falls far short of the requisitions in my letter to you of January 8th, 1848, there being but one witness in the case and he only testifying (and not positively) to 6 months service of Mr Gage. It is considered extremely doubtful whether the performance of that much service, which is indispensable to establish a pension, I must again refer you to my letter of the 8th of January last, and particularly to that part of it, which required the Applicant to state the names of the subaltern, and non commissioned officers under whom he served.
Benjamin Haskell Esqr. Boston, Mass
Act June 1832

Boston Feb 26 - 1848
Sir
You are hereby presented, with two instruments. The first establishing the credibility of the testimony of Alphus Bowers, in the case of Moses Gaye and the other, establishing the fact that it is no new idea of Mr Gaye in presenting his claim for a pension Gaye made an attempt to get his pension some years ago but failed for want of funds - He applied to Ex Studer formerly Lieut Governor of that state, and his son now swears that his father believed his claim to be a good one, but that Gaye was poor and did not pay the fee for getting up the papers, and therefore the case was put over till the death of his father re Gaye has never been able to procure counsel that would undertake his claim for nothing until now, we have full confidence in it and hope these documents will fully satisfy you
The Evidence of Bowers is positive, the Certificate of the Comptroller is not positive, nevertheless if in your discretionary powers it be found worthy of consideration, then it becomes just as good evidence as any - We feel disposed to receive your decision when you shall be willing to give the same upon the papers that have now been presented, and will endeavor to be content with the decision, whether for a longer or shorter space of service
Yours Truly Benj Hostell Boston
Please, write immediately } at Boston

Rev. Haskell
Feb 3 '48

Pension Office
February 3 1848
Sir
In answer to your Communication of the 20 th ult o . I have to refer you to my letter of the 8 th of last month in the case of Morris Gage and to state that every essential the requisitions therein contained should in every essential particular be complied with before a favorable decision upon his claim can be made
Benjamin Haskell Esq Boston Mass

Pension Office
Jan 28. 1848.
Secret
NY
lr
The application of Morris Gage for the benefit of the act of 7 June 1832 has been examined and placed on file.
The failure to present this Claim until this late day when it appears that the witnesses on whose testimony Applicant relies to sustain a large portion of his service has always resided within a short distance of him raises a strong presumption against its validity, unless therefore some satisfactory reason can be assigned for this delay proof of a very high order is required clearly to show how of his alleged service will be required before it can be admitted. From the large number of claims presented from the County of Windham it is not at all probable that he could have remained ignorant of his rights during the 15 years that has elapsed since the passage of the act of 7 June 1832. His alleged terms of service should be set forth more in detail and should not only give the names of his Colonels and Captains but those of his Subalterns and non Commissioned Officers, together with some account of his quarters quarters, distance from home at any one time and how he was quartered.

subsisted and paid.
The evidence now adduced is wholly insuffi- cient to establish the time of Applicant's Service, The Certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut Col. Ely + Mr. Col. Ely Capt. Hays and Clough presented in support of this Claim shows that the Officer upon whom Capt. Allee, he at the time served was in Service, but if furnishes no evidence whatever that he was attached to their Command. but this Certificate aid it show that Claimant was in Service under these officers, being active prior to his declaration would not be received as evidence of the state- ments made in that declaration. And before the testimony of Alpheus Barnes, the only witness, can be admitted as proof upon the point on which he testifies, his cred- ibility as witness must be sustained by persons of Unim- peachable standing such as Judges of the Courts of Law, Mem- bers of Congress &c.
Winyah Haskell Esq Boston Mass

N 37563
Morris Gage Con.
Let to Benjamin Haskell, Jan 8 1848
at 1 d. per lb. 9.48
B. Haskell Jan 1848
48 3861
at 17 m. 1832

Hon J L Edwards
Pension office
Washington

Boston Jan 20 - 1848
Sir
In reply to your communication of the 8th Inst touching the claim of Moses Gage of Woodstock, Ct. I am happy to inform you that it will be quite in our power to comply with every requisite, demanded by you in that communication: Yet it is not without an additional expense, such as would be sufficient, even at this late period, to deter the applicant from prosecuting his claim farther, did he not receive a just intimation from you, that when he shall have satisfactorily established the credibility of the principal witness - Alphus Bowers - then shall his claim be allowed him. You do most naturally ask why the claimant should have delayed the prosecution of his claim, till this late period: but that you intend, that, this circumstance alone, shall form the basis, for an additional burden of proof, I do not understand. The Government must be aware, that at the time when the six months act was first passed, that many in view of the uncertainty of recovering, as well the expense attending the prosecution of the claim, and the smallness of the amount, if they recovered at all, delayed their application, from time to time, and many

there were who died without ever presenting their Claims at all. In proof of this fact I am now under the necessity of soliciting the proper inform- ation from the Government, sufficient to aid me in presenting the Claims of one Capt Eldridge who was a Capt in the Service & served five years and died without ever having presented his Claim and leaving heirs: as he was an officer we shall be able to furnish much record proof as his name as an officer is preserved in the trans- action of business on record; but such is not the fact with privates, for did the record show the names of all the privates, then they would easily prove their Claims by the record, all we expect of the Comptroller's Certificate is to corroborate of our Statement, it being rendered at the time we state and under the officers we set forth: There is a species of terror in the minds of our community, with regard to obtaining pensions - notwithstanding many pensions are granted, yet many are rejected, and those that do come are usually so long coming & associated with additional expense from time to time, that applicants delay to the very last. But for some reason or other, it seems to be understood at this time that your department do not persecute that rigidity of proof formerly practiced, and this certainly has a tendency to bring forward some Claims.
The testimony of Stephen Bowers has been received at your department on a former occasion, and it

was in view of this fact I had failed to establish his credibility as I otherwise should have done, we expect Sir to be responsible for every thing we offer the Government in behalf of our claim, and while I honor and respect you as a very high functionary of that department, in your endeavors to perform your duties faithfully, yet I know you feel bound to perform it impartially, and would refuse no claim presented in good faith.
I feel that you would not exact proof that the very nature of the case would not permit of, but that you desire to know that the claim is an honorable one, and that you would refuse to yourself the right to presume our claim dishonorable until the contra shall appear. It has been the prevalent understanding that two witnesses were necessary to establish the claim, & we never have been able to procure but one, and it is news to us that one witness is sufficient with your assize, but we cannot believe that your tribunal should be more strict than Courts at Law and that one witness is sufficient to establish the civil claim of any man. I desire Sir that you would forward to me at Boston Mass - some printed directions, or written, as to the steps to be taken in presenting the claim for pension by the heirs at Law - that I may receive the same before I go to Woodstock to prepare the documents required in the case of Gage - I hope I have not trespassed upon the patience of your Honor
P.S. Address to Boston Mass
Yours Truly Benj Hoskrel

Boston Dec-31.-1847 To the Honble Edmards
Dear Sir
The papers containing the claim and proof of Moses Dade of Woodstock, an applicant for pension, was forwarded to the pension department at Washington, some months since, and nothing having yet been received in reply to the same, some anxiety has of late been felt, lest the documents have been misplaced on board the Mail or at the department. I have nothing here to offer as to the merits of that claim, but express my ardent desire that it meets your approbation - and that another of those sacred names be recorded upon the pension list - The feeling in the town of the applicant is ardent in his favor - all desiring his success. Please let me hear from you at the earliest period.
address to Boston
Yours Truly Henry Haskell Atty for the Applicant

No 3466 Alphege Boners Moss Gage Can act 7 June 1832

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, Windham County,
} 29.
I Uriel Fuller Assistant Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windham, and keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern. That Silas J. Aldrich is and since the 20th day of June, 1847 hath been a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for the County of Windham, in said State, duly appointed and commissioned, having full power and authority by the laws of said State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds, and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take affidavits and depositions out of courts, and to give certificates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations.
And I further Certify that I believe the foregoing signature of the said Silas J. Aldrich to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Brooklyn this 10 th of November in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Seven.
Uriel Fuller Asst. Clerk.

I Alpheus Bowers of Thompson in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut. Being of the age of eightysix years last September on oath depose and say, that I served in the war of the Revolution, for which I now draw pension from the United States for the term of 18 months. That in the month of June 1777. I enlisted into the Company commanded by Capt John Hays of Ashford in said County, belonging to the Battalion commanded by Colonel (Ebenezer) Dyer and performed six months actual service under said officers, during which time we were stationed at Fort Griswold near New London in Connecticut. Then were ordered to Rhode Island, thence back to the Fort, thence to New York State.
Further the said deponent maketh oath, and saith, that at the time of said enlistment, he was acquainted with one Moses Gage of Woodstock in said County of Windham & knew him to be a member of said Company was knowing to said Gage, being present in the service at the time said Company was dismissed, saw him often at the Fort and do not know of his being absent, during said term of six months service.
Alpheus Bowers
Thompson November fifth 1847
Then the above named Alpheus Bowers personally appeared before me, and made oath, that the above instrument by him subscribed is true.
Walter P. Aldrich justice of the Peace

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
2861
P. O.
Service: Moses Gage
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
The printed list of 1852 shows reasons for suspension
Alleges: Proof of service deficient
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18
1926 Feb 10 - H. O. to Mary B. Brooks on J. S. letter in Hand Hays S 13623

State of Connecticut Comptroller's Office
Hartford 11 June 1817.
I certify that in application for evidence of the service of Moses Gage in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the books & papers remaining in this office relating to that war, I find as follows, —
That the General Assembly of this state at their Session of May 1777 ordered two Battalions of troops to be raised "for the more effectual defence of the sea coasts," of one of which John Ely was appointed Colonel — and John Noyes a Captain.
That by the journal of the "Governor & Council of Safety" it appears that Col o Ely and his Reg t was in service on the coast at or near New London as early as July 1 st . And on the 5 th of that month ordered to call the remainder of his Reg t to New London. On the 11 th of July the Council order Col o Ely to place two companies in Groton Fort, and the remainder of the Reg t (besides detachments previously ordered to other stations on the coast) in Fort Trumbull & vicinity. It also appears that this Reg t was in service on the coast of this state from the first mentioned date (July 1 st ) to 23 rd Septem r ., on which day an order on the state Treasurer was given Col o Ely for the use of his Regiment. And on that day Col o Ely is ordered to make a detachment from the Matross Companies at New London & Groton, to "assist in a descent upon the Island of Rhode Island, under the command of Col o John Ely." On the 3 rd Oct r 1777 Col o Ely was ordered by the Council "to march (on Monday next) to the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations by the route directed by Gen l Spencer, and place himself and his Regiment under Major General Spencer." Nov. 18 The Council order Col o Ely "forthwith (over

to march with his Regiment (except Lt. Shipman) officered as when he marched to Providence, and join Maj. Genl. Putnam and be under his command until further orders," — &c.
In the books of the late "Pay Table Office", is the following entry, — "Cap. John Keyes — Col: Ely's Batt. '77 . . . . . 6? "By acct. rend: for his 6? div. "Wages £1298.15.9 Enlisting & Equipp d £808.0.0 "Commiss n £31.3.9 Advtizing Deserters, &c. £6.2.11 } £2144.7.6"
In "Market Receipts", under the head of "Expense of the Port at New London", in the column of "Bills & Accts." I find the name of Cap. Obadiah Clough, and opposite thereto, the sum "£343.7.4 Specie." The date of this entry is March 29. 1782, supposed to be the date of the settlement.
In the Journal of the Council of Safety, Sep. 19. 1781, "Col: Samuel M c Clintan is appointed to command the Militia ordered by this Board to New London "at their meeting 12 th Sep. Inst." — It also appears that Col: M c Clintan commanded at New London in March 1782, by an entry in s d Journal.
It also appears from this Journal that Genl. John Tyler, commanded a body of Militia at New London, as late as June 28. 1777.
No Pay Rolls of Capt s Keyes or Clough have been found.
Wyah Walling Camp Melle